Feed mechanism for slicing machines



Sept. 27, 1938 c; .H. PETsKEY E's FEED MECHANISM FOR S LICING MACHINES .I' iled Au 27, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Charles H. Petskqyea BY ATTORNEYS c. H. PETSKEYES 2, 3 6 FEED MECHANISM FORSLICING MACHINES Sept. 27, 1938.

Filed Aug. 27, 1956 4 Sheets-Shee t 2 INVENTOR H Charles H-PetSIrqy-es W4 I k6? ATTORNEYS C. H. PETSKEYES FEED MECHANISM FOR smcme MACHINES 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Sept. 27, 1938.

Filed Aug. 27, 1936 47 4/ I N l INVENTOR Charles H. Petskcyes ATTORNEYS C. H. PETSKEYES FEED MECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES Sept. 27, 1938.

Filed Aug. 27, 1936 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR Charles H. Petskqyes 6141/ 1 ATTORNEYS Y Patented Sept. 27, 1938 FEED MECHANISM FOR SLICING MACHINES Charles H. Petskeyes, Bettendorf, Iowa, assignor to Micro-Westco, Incorporated, Bettendorf, Iowa, a corporation of Delaware 1 Application August 27, 1936, Serial No. 98,212"

30 Claims. (01. res-.20)

This invention relates to slicing machines and has particular reference to the feed of such ma chines.

In the feeding of baked loaves to a slicing mechanism they are often deposited upon a conveyor andcarried in continuous succession to and through the slicing blades without regulation of the feed and slicing rate and without any space between successive loaves so that each leaf as it approaches and passes through the slicing mechanism is urged forward by a number of succeeding loaves. This results in a certain deformation of the loaves, which areusually sliced soon after baking and while in a warm, somewhat plastic or spongy condition. Consequently, the slicing operation is not carried out in the most eflicient manner and crooked or wavy slices often result. Furthermore, when a slicing machine is used in connection with a wrapping machine it is desirable that the sliced loaves emerge from the slicing mechanism in a uniform, timed procession, so that they may be readily deposited individually on successive flights of the infeed conveyor of the wrapping machine. It will be apparent that if the sliced loaves emerge from the slicing mechanism in a continuous succession with eachloaf being urged forward only by the succeeding loaves exerting a variable, unregulated force, suchdepositing-of individual loaves on successive flights of the infeed conveyor to the wrapping machine is not accomplished with maximum efllciency and precision.

It is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a feed for a loaf slicing mechanism which will regulate the feeding of unsliced loaves to the slicing mechanism so that a plurality of loaves may be simultaneously transferred to the machine and conveyed to the slicingmechanism at predetermined and regulated intervals.

Another object of the present invention is to provide such a device which will enable baked Y leaves to be deposited-en masse upon the infeed' conveyor of a slicing machine and which will 45 align and straighten such loaves and feed them individually to the slicing mechanism.

A further object of the invention is to provide a feed mechanism for straightening and aligning loaves deposited on the infeed side of a slic- 5 ing machine and individually feed such loaves to a slicing mechanism, which feed mechanism can be adapted for use with .belt feed conveyors and the like or gravity feed conveyors to the slicing blades.

55 A still further object of this invention is to the elevator of Fig. 9, showing the manner in provide such a device which is simple in construc-' tion, inexpensive to manufacture, and-which eillciently feeds baked loaves to and through a slicing mechanism with a minimum deformation of the loaves and promotes a uniform, even slicing 5 operation. "a.

.With-the above and other objects in view, which will be apparent from the following detailed description, the invention consists of certain features of construction and combinationsotiparts which will be apparent to those skilled in the art. T 1

In the drawings, which illustrate suitable embodiments of the present invention,

Figure 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of the infeed end of a slicing machine which embodie sthe present invention:

Fig.2 is a view on the line 2-4 of Fig.i1;

Fig. 3 is a view on the line 3-3 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 4 is a plan view of the infeed mechanism shown in Fig. 1; a

Fig. 5 is a diagrammatic representation of one of the belt'drives for the feed mechanism,.taken on the line 5-5 of the drawing of Fig. 4;

Fig. 6 is a diagrammatic representation of another of the belt drives for the mechanism, taken on the line' 6-8 of Fig. 4;

Fig. 7 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation, partly in section and with parts broken away, of the infeed timing mechanism shown in Fig. 1;

' I Fig. 8 is a'section on theline 8----8v of Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary side elevation, partly in section and with parts broken away, of a modification of my invention for use in connection with slicing machines having gravity infeed.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view on the line III-l0 of Fig. 9; p 1 i Fig. 11 is an enlarged detail view, in section, of

40 which its slope is adjusted; and

Fig. 12 is a detail, in section, of portions of flight conveyor and elevator of Fig. 9.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are indicated throughout by the same numerals, a mechanism embodying my the , invention and for use in connection with slicing machines having power feed, is illustrated in Figs. 1 ms, The feed mechanism is carried by suitable side frames l of the slicing machine and includes a loading or belt feed conveyor 2 and a slicing mechanism 3. The slicing mechanism consists of a pair ofalternately 'reciprocable blade frames '4 and I, which are mounted on spaced guide members supported in extension- I V 5 of the side frames l. Each blade frame is provided with a plurality of uniformly spaced cutter blades 1 which lie between the cutter blades of the other blade frame in order that all the blades will substantially simultaneously engage the loaf to be sliced at the beginning of the slicing operation. The blade frames are alternately reciprocated in opposite directions by well known means.

The baked loaves A", deposited upon the belt feed conveyor 2 in convenient quantities by the operator, are carried to the infeed timing device, ot be hereinafter described, and individually transferred to the flight feed conveyor 8. This conveyor carries each loaf individually to the slicing mechanism 3 in such a manner that there is a minimum crushing of the loaf and an em- Furthermore, the sliced loaves emerge from the slicing mechanism at predetermined and regulated intervals, so that they may be properly positioned between flights of an outfeed conveyor (not shown) of the slicing machine, which flight outfeed conveyor may also be the infeed conveyor of a wrapping machine or may feed the infeed conveyor of a wrapping machine. There may be thus provided an orderly procession of baked loaves through a slicing mechanism and into a wrapping machine.

The infeed timer is positioned adjacent the discharge end of the loading or belt conveyor 2,

and includes an elevator having a flat loaf-receiving platform 9 and an apron I0 depending from the rearward edge of the platform to enmeans'of rod l4 journaled in bracket IS on the underside of the platform 9 of the elevator and actuated by lever l6, rigidly carried on shaft I1 journaled in the side frames I. A cam I8, keyed on driven shaft IQ of the flight feed conveyor 8, imparts an oscillating motion to the shaft l1 and the lever l6 by means of lever 26 secured on the shaft l'l, link 2| and link 22 carried on stub the receiving platform 9 of the elevator is somewhat narrower than the width of the baked loaves A, so that when a loaf is positioned on the elevator it will be urged forward by succeeding loaves, to facilitate its transfer to the table .6. as will be hereinafter pointed out.

In order that baked loaves being transferred from llie belt conveyor 2 to the elevator will not tilt sideways into the triangular space between the end. of the conveyor 2 and apron l6 of the elevator. an auxiliarydriven roller 21 is provided. This roller is journaled in the side frames I and, as shown in Fig. 7, is positioned just below the level of the belt conveyor 2 and inthe space between the depending apron portion In of the elevator and the loading conveyor. g

The table 26 extends over and above the level of the flight feed conveyor 3, so that the flights -thereof can pass under the table at the begin- Alternate raising ning of their loaf-conveyingoperaticn. At the rearward edge of the table 26 is a depending apron 28 positioned adjacent the path of the forward edge of the elevator. The apron 28 terminates in a. shelf 29 carried on the cross member 30 secured to the side frames I, thus serving as a support for the table and a stop for arresting a loaf being transferred from the belt conveyor 2 to the elevator. Longitudinal slots 3|, extending in the direction of travel of the baked loaves A, are provided in the table 26 to permit .extensions on the flights of the conveyor 8 to engage a baked loaf resting upon the table and move it onto the conveyor 8 in a manner to be hereinafter described.

i To facilitate the transfer of loaves from the elevator to the table 26, small rollers 32 are provided at the corner formed by the junction of the loaf receiving table 26 and'the depending apron 28. There are two such rollers, each of which is journaled in the side frames l and in bearings 33 adjacent the margin of the slots in the table 26, so that extended portions of the flights may pass between the ends of the rollers at the commencement of the loaf pushing operation, thus insuring that the flight engages the rear side of the loaf, which has been carried over the rolls, and prevent tipping of the loaf by the flight engaging the underside of the loaf. Each of the rollers has a portion adjacent the slots in the table 26 of larger diameter than the remainder of the roller which extends underneath the table. The enlarged portion of each of the rollers protrudes above the surface of the table throughopenings 34 .and is provided with a knurled or corrugated surface 35 to give a greater frictional force on the bottom of the loaf and more efficiently transfer the loaves from the elevator to the table.

In order that the baked loaves will be transferred in an upright position from the table 26 to the conveyor 8 a depressible table 36- is provided. This table has an, angularly disposed, rearwardly extending apron 39 held by sleeves '38 carried on shaft 31 journaled in the side frame I. Thus the shaft 31 serves to support the table 36 as well as to carry sprockets of the flight feed conveyor, as will be hereinafter pointed out. A coil spring 60, resting on a support 4| which is supported by a suitable cross member resiliently urges the table 36 upward; The spring 16 surrounds and is guided by rod 42 carried in bracket 43 on the bottom of the table 36 and guided in an aperture 44 in the angle iron H.

The forward edge or portion disposed toward the slicing mechanism of the depressible table 36 has a depending, angularly disposed tongue '45 which fits in a notch 46 in the flight feed con- "veyor apron 49 and which terminates in a stop portion 41 engageable with the under side of the above mentioned apron to limit upward motion of table 36. The angularity of the tongue 45 and the apron 36 with respect to the table 36 is such that the up and down motion of the table is relatively gradual, due to the action of the flights of the conveyor 8 riding over the tongue and apron as will be hereinafter described and preventing a snapping up of the table because of a sudden release. a

In its elevated position shown by the broken lines in Fig. '7 the portion of the depressible table 36 adjacent the table 26 is positioned just below or even with the level of the table 26, in order that loaves may be slid easily from the table 26 onto the depressible table. In its lowered (6 tween the side frames l.

position, shown by the full lines of Fig. '7, the depressible table is even with a flight feed conveyor apron, so that loaves may be readily slid from the tablev onto the apron. The raising and lowering of the depressible table 88 is accomplished by means of the flights 48 which engage the extended apron 89 and gradually lower the table with a loaf A deposited thereon. It is to be understood that the spring 40 is of sufficient strength so that with a loaf on the depressible table 38 the extended apron 89 is urged against the flights 48, the weight of the loaf alone being insufficient to depress the table 36 below the level of. the conveyor apron.

The flight feed conveyor 8, as previously mentioned, is positioned forward of the i'nfeed timer and individually conducts loaves at regulated intervals from the timer to the slicing mechanism 3. As best seen in Fig. 1 it comprises a level portion positioned partially under and ahead of the table 26 and the depressibie table and a sloping portion adjacentthe slicing mechanism. The loaves are supported on a conveyor apron 49 which is carried on and rigidly secured to raised portions 5| of cross members 58 that extend be- The apron 49 is thus supported above the cross members 58 so as to accommodate side chains of the conveyor ,8 as will be hereinafter pointed out. Also, it is to be noted that there is a space between the marginal portions of the conveyor apron 49 and the side frames i, whichalso is to accommodate the flight mechanism.

The flights 48 are carried on synchronously driven endless side chains or belts 52 running on forward sprockets 53 and 54 and rearward sprockets 55 and 56 carried respectively on shafts 51, 58, 31, and I9 journalled in the side frames and connected thereto by suitable means, such as keys.

Each of the flights 48, which are uniformly spaced about the belts 52, comprises a pair of angle-shaped brackets 68 pivoted directly to the links of belts 52, and which lie-outwardly of the marginal edges of the conveyor apron '48 in the space between the apron and the side frames I, as shown in Fig. 4. The angle-shaped brackets 60 are connected by flat strap portions 8|, which, when theyare in their feeding position, are spaced slightly above the conveyor apron 48, and'which are the portions of the flight that engage the extended apron 39 of the depressible table, as mentioned above. The end of each of the angleshaped brackets 68, which is not pivoted to the belt 52, is provided with 9. lug or shoe "82 that is arranged during the feeding portion of-the flight, movement to ride upon horizontal portions of guide bars or tracks 53 carried by the crossmem- 'ber 58 and disposed below the flight feed apron 49. During the operation of the flight feed con- 'veyor the strap-like portions ii of the flights are disposed in a vertical position above the apron 49, and are held in such position by means of the contact between the lugs or shoes 82 of the flight brackets and the horizontal portion of the guide tracks 53. As each flight, hanging in a suspended position from the side chains 52, ap-

proaches the upper rearward sprockets 55 the shoes 92 thereof engage the rear ends of'the horizontal portions of the guide tracks 88, which are curved over the shaft 8'! that supports the upper rear sprockets, and gradually move the flights into vertical pushing position through the slots 2! in the table 26, where they engage the'corner'oi' a loaf positioned on the table 28 (as shown by In this manner the loaves are individually pushed over the apron 49 toward the slicing mechanism 3.

As the chain links which carry the flights pass around the lower forward sprockets, the shoes 52 of the flight brackets 58 disengage from the guide tracks 53 adjacent a transverse opening or slot 54 in the apron 49 and the flights then gradually drop down through such opening because of their pivoted connection to the side chains or link belt 52. Stirrups 65 through the slots 54 guide the lowering of the flights so that. the flights disengage from the article being advanced and disappear. Also, the stirrups 55 are secured to the side frames and serves as a supporting means for the portion of the apron 49 positioned between the slot 54 and the slicing mechanism. During their return movement the flights hang. downwardly, suspended from the side chains 52.

The loading or belt feed conveyor. 2 comprises an endless flexible belt 55 carried on cylindrical rollers 51 and 58: The roller 68 is journalled in bearings 59 carried on bolts Ill supported in the extension members H of the side frames I. The

tension in the belt 55 may be adjusted by-tightening or releasing the nut 12 threadedly engaging the bolt 1-8 and bearing against the end of the extension members II. The extension members are additionally supported by means of thediagonally disposed strut members 13 secured near the lower portions of the side frames l and the' The roller extremity of the extension members. 81 is driven and carried by a shaft 14 journalled in the side frames I.

Supported over the belt feed conveyor near the forward end thereof and adjacent the 'infeed timer mechanism is a pair of traction means such as chains 15 running on idler sprocketslG and a supporting arm 83 extending over the beltfeed conveyor 2 and supported by a cross member 84 extending between the vertical supports l3. The guide'block 82 has sliding engagement with the arm 88 and horizontal adjustment of the yoke 80 is provided by means of the crank 85 which actuates a threaded shaft 85 carried inthe end of the arm 88 and having threaded engagement with the guide block 82. Extensible drive shaft 9|, having double universal joints, connects driven shaft 19 with driven sprocket 92 carried on short v shaft 98 journalled'in the end of supporting member 84 extending from and carried'by vertical member 18. Thus traction chains 15, when in various positions of adjustment, may be driven from sprocket 92.

The loaves are centered on the belt feed or loading conveyor 2 by meansof side guides 95 and 98. It will be seen from Fig. 4 that side guide 95 extends substantially the entire length of the conveyor whilev side guide 88 is somewhat shorter to facilitate the placing of baked loaves on the conveyor by the operator; These side guides are preferablvmade of spring-like resilient material and are heldin position by angle brackets 91 adjustably secured on the extension members III by means of wing nuts and bolts 98. -As will be seen best-in Fig.1, the side guides extend 'a suflicient distance above the surface of. the loading conveyor so as to effectively guide the baked articles A as they travel toward the timing mechanism, the forward end of the guides terminating just short of the elevator so as not to interfere with its operation. By means of the adjustable brackets 01 the guide rails may be positioned at various distances apart to accommodate loaves of various lengths.

Guide rails 89 center the baked loaves over the infeed timing mechanism and the flight feed conveyor, and are seen to be positioned as a continuation of guide rails 95 and ilconverging slightly at I00 adjacent the depressible table in. order to align the loaves. These guide rails 98 are car'- ried by adjustable brackets Ii'0I threadedly engaging the shaft 102 Journalled in extension members I03 of the side frames I located adjacent the flight feed conveyor near the top of the inclined portion thereof. I04 on shaft I02 are right and left handed, so that by rotating the shaft by means of the -hand crank III! the distance between the brackets I0l can be,.ad-

justed for loaves of different lengths. A stationary auxiliary shaft I 06, spaced from and parallel with shaft I02 has its ends secured in the extension members I03.- Lever portions I01, extending from the adjustable brackets IOI, have sliding engagement with the auxiliary shaft I06 and serve to prevent rotation of the brackets about the shaft I02, thereby maintaining the guide rails 99in proper position over the infee timer and flight feed conveyor.

Short guide rails I08,also carried by the adjustable brackets IOI, extend over the inclined portion of the flight feed conveyor substantially to the plane of the cutting edge of the blades and center the loaves over the conveyor during this portion of their travel.

As previously mentioned, the feeding mechanism is operated from a main drive shaft, not shown in the drawings, but which rotates'shaft 58 carrying lower forward sprocketsof the flight feed conveyor by means of chain I09 and sprocket IIO keyed to the shaft. The movement of the side belt chains 52 carried on lower forward sprockets 54 also rotatessprockets 53, and 56 of the flight feed conveyor and their respective shafts.

The cam I8, being carried directly on the shaft I9, is seen to operate the feed timer, or article elevating platform 9, in timed relation with the flight feed conveyor 0.

As diagrammatically illustrated in Fig. 5, the sprocket 'I I I, keyed on shaft 31 of the flight feed conveyor, drives the loading or belt feed conveyor in timed relation with the flight feed 'conveyor by means of chain belt II2 running on sprocket II3. keyed to the shaft I4 onwhich the forward roller 61 of the loading conveyor is carried. Double sprocket II4, supported on short shaft 5, secured in the side frame I so that one sprocket wheel engages chain belt II2, carries chain IIS on the other sprocket wheel. Chain IIS also rides on and drives sprocket 92, thus actuating the traction chains I! in synchronization with the loading conveyor 2.

The small article transferring rollers 32 in the table 26 are driven by means of large sprockets I I1 carried on the ends'of the shaft 31, chains The small roller 21 positioned between the loading conveyor 2 and loaf platform 0 of the' elevator is rotated by means 'of sprocket I2I on amuse the roller shaft I20, chain I22 and sprocket I23 on the shaft I24 carrying the small roller 21.

It will thus be seen that the entire infeed mechanism is actuated by a single main drive. shaft so that the several parts are synchronized 5 during operation and an efllcient, regulated feeding action is-secured. Regulating the speed of the main drive shaft by means well known in the art, such as actuating such shaft from a wrapping machine, provides a timed feed of baked l0 loaves to the slicing mechanism, and which feedmay be synchronized with a wrapping machine in order to provide a properly timed succession of sliced loaves to the wrapping machine.

With the main drive shaft in motion so that the slicing mechanism, flight infeed conveyor, infeed'timer and loading or belt conveyor are in motion the operation of the mechanism is as follows:

A number of articles are placed upon the load- -ing conveyor 2 by an operator. The loading conevent that either ofthese articles is out of alignment or askew with respect to the elevator the trailing or rearmost corner'will be brought forward into proper alignment by the traction chains I5 and loading conveyor belt 66 working in coordination. This. action is continuous during the operation of the machine, with all of the successive articles lining up behind the foremost and the belt of the loading conveyor slipping under them when their motion is arrested by the leading article coming against the depending apron III of the elevator.

Upon the lowering of the elevator so that'it becomes level with the loading conveyor the lead-. ing article is slid'thereon by the action of the small roller 21, belt 66 of the loading conveyor and the force of the following articles being urged forward by the belt conveyor and traction chains I5. As the article on the elevator is raised to the level of the table 26 it is pressed against the depending apron '28 by subsequent articles since, as hereinabove mentioned, the articles are wider than the lift platform 9 of the elevator and protrude over the rear corner or edge thereof.

As soon as the elevator platform 9 is level with the table 20 the article thereon is given a forward impetus by the pressure of the following articles which continues until the next article comes to rest against the depending apron. I0 of the elevator. This impetus is sufficient to carry the leading article partially onto the table 26 where it is engaged by the rotating rollers 32 and. carried entirely onto the table 20. .When the cam follower 24 rides over they-high point ofthe cam I8, the elevator is lowered to the level of the loading conveyor and the next article ,is. received to be elevated and the .cycle repeated.

Just after the leading article is receivedon the table 26 extensions I26 of one of the flights 48 emerge through the slots 3| in the table 26 and engage a rear portion of the article to carry it forward onto the depressible table 38 which is gradually lowered with the article thereon to the level of the apron 4! of the flight feed conveyor bythe action of the strap portion 6I of the flight riding over the extended apron 39 as mentioned above. As the article leaves the depressible table the latter is gradually released to assume its elevated position by the flight 48 riding overthe inclined tongue 45.

The article transferredto the apron 49 is ad- I through'the machine with an article positioned ahead of each of the flights 48 as they move over the apron 49.

A modification of the present invention used in connection with a slicing machine having a gravity feed is illustrated in Figs. 9, 10, 11 and 12. In this embodiment, the mechanism is mounted on side frames I26 and the reciprocal slicing blades I21 are operated in the upwardly extending portion I28 of the machine framework similar to the mechanism previously described. The articles to be sliced, suchas baked loavesfB may be deposited in convenient numbers on a stationary, inclined feed table I29 supported on the side frames I26 by means of depending side portions At the lower and forward end of the stationary inclined feed table I29 is the infeed timer similar to that herein above described. This timer comprises an elevator and table. The elevator has a flat, plate-like article-lifting platform I3I and depending from the rearward edge of the lifting platforman apron I32 to engage the forward side of an article positioned'on the feed table -I29 as a preceding article is being transferred to the flight infeed conveyor. Depending bracket plates I33, secured to the under side of the elevator lift platform I3I, are pivotally mounted on upturned ends I34 of supporting arms I35 carried on shaft I36 pivotally mounted in the depending side portions. I30 of, the inclined feed table. Reciprocating up and down motion is imparted to the elevator by an adjustable length rod I31 having one end pivoted in the bracket I36 centrally disposed on the under side of the lift platform I 3I of the elevator and its other end pivotally connected to the lever I39, rigidly mounted on shaft I 'journalled in the side frame members I26. Adjacent one of the side frame members a cam actuated lever I is rigidly secured to the shaft I40 and provided as its extremity with a cam follower I42 which rides on cam I43 carried on a stub shaft I44 journalled in side frame I26 with stub shaft also carries a driven sprocket I45. A coil spring I46, tensioned between the lever I4I anda suitable boss I41 in the side frame I26, retains the follower I42 in engagement with the cam I 43. By altering the length of the rod I31, a convenient adjustment is provided forregulating the height of the lift platform I3I of the elevator. Furthermore, it may be desired to adjust the relative angle of incline of the platform I3I with respect to the feed table I29. Such an adjustment is illustrated in Fig. 11. As previously mentioned the elevator is pivotally mounted on the supportingarms I35 and has a flanged portion I48 formed on the apron I32 adjacent the supporting arm I35. By means of a nut and bolt I49 and an elongated slot I50 in the flanged portions I46, the elevator may be locked in a suitable angular position relative to the other parts of the mechanism.

In its lowermost position the elevator lift platform I3I is adjacent the level of the inclined feed table I29 so that an article can easily slide from the inclined feed table onto the elevator. In its uppermost position the elevator platform I3I is level with the transfer table I5I so that an article carried on the elevator can slide onto the table from the elevator when the latter reaches its uppermost position.

The table I 5I has a depending apron I52 adjacent the forward edge of the elevator againstwhich articles may rest during the elevating operation. Flanged portions'I53 at the extremities of the table I5I are suitably secured to-the side frames I26 and serve to support the table in the machine. Slots I54 are provided inthe table to permit the passage of the flights of the infeedconveyor as will be hereinafter described.

The flight infeed conveyor is positioned forward of and just below the discharge edge of the table I5I and may have substantially the same slope as the inclined feed table I29. It comprises a flat table portion I55suitably supported between the side frames I26 but separated therefrom by marginal spaces I56 to accommodate the flight mechanism. This table portion is seen to support the loaves as they leave the table I5I and are conducted to the slicing mechanism by means of the flights I51 which correspond to the flights 48 de-' scribed in connection with the flight infeed con- I 35 veyor in the embodiment of the present invention illustrated in Figs. 1 through 8.

The flights I51 are carried on the endless side chains or belts I58 which run on forward sprockets I59 fixed on shaft I61 journaled in the side frames I26, rearward sprockets I60 fixed on shaft- I6I, journaled in the side frames, and interme diate or idler sprockets carried on stub shafts I8I journaled in adjustable bracket I10 secured to the side frames. The intermediate or idler sprockets serve to take up slack in the side chains I58 and one of them'also acts as a drive for the elevator" they-approach the forward sprockets I59 through a transverse slot I62 provided for this purpose in the table portion I55, returning to the start of the pushing position hanging in an inverted position from the side chains I58 as shown in Fig. 9. As the portion of the side chains carrying a flight rounds the rearward sprockets I50, shoes I63 on the angle brackets I64 of the flight engage guide straps I65 carried between the side frames and adjacent the marginal portion of the table I55 of the conveyor, and the flight is thereby elevated into pushing position. In this move.-

ment extension portions I66 on the flights I51 emerge through slots I54 in the table I55 and engage the lower corner of an article positioned thereon. j

The mechanism is actuated from a powered drive shaft (not shown) which is connected to the shaft I61, on which the forward sprockets I59 are mounted'by means of a chain I60 run- ,transfer wheels I83 may be provided. These ning on driving sprocket I69. The intermediate or idler sprocket secured to stub shaft I8I journaled in adjustable bracket I10 actuates the small drive sprocket I82 mounted on the stub shaft I6I and is located on the outside of the side frame I26, as seen in Fig. 9. The small drive sprocket I82 carries a chain I1I which also runs ever driven sprocket I45, previously mentioned and idling sprocket I12 which takes up the slack in chain "I,

In this modification the articles are centered over stationary inclined feed table I29 by means.

of spaced side guides I13 carried on adjustable angle brackets I14 secured to marginal portions of the inclined feed table by means of wing nuts and bolts I15. The forward ends of these guides terminate just short of the apron I32 of the elevator so as not to interfere with its operation and by means of the adjustable brackets and wing nuts are set a sufficient distance'apart to accommodate the article being sliced.

Serving as a continuation of the side guides I13 are the guide rails I 16 which. are carried in a suspended position over the lift platform I3I. table I5I and flight feed conveyor by means of the adjustable brackets I11 carried on oppositely threaded ends of shaft I18 and the smooth guide shaft I19, both of which are supported in extensions I80 of the side frames I26. The space between the side rails I16 being adjusted by means of a hand crank (not shown) arranged to turn the shaft I18 whichdraws together or separates the adjustable brackets I11 by means of its oppositely threaded ends.

In order to facilitate the transfer of articles from the table I5I to the conveyor table I55,

wheels are mounted on and driven by shaft I6I, which also carries the rearward sprockets I60, and are arranged to project through suitable slots I84 in the conveyor table I55, so that they are substantially even with the table I5I. Notches I85 in the periphery 'of the wheels I83 are positioned to receive the strap portions 6i of the flights I51 as the latter are carried around the rear end of the conveyor over the sprockets I6Il.

The wheels I83 are positioned a suitable distance apart along the shaft I6I so that the articles being transferred from the table I5I to the conveyor table I55 will not slip between the wheels or tilt sideways. Similarly, the extensions I66 on the flights I51 are positioned a suitable distance apart in order that they may efficiently engage the rear edge of the article being advanced. As shown in Fig. 10, the space between the wheels I83 and extensions I66 may be substantially the same.

The operation of this modification is similar to that of the embodiment employing a driven belt feed conveyor hereinabove described. In this construction the operator places the articles to be sliced on the stationary inclined feed table I29 between the side guide rails I13. The surface of the inclined feed table, preferably being smooth and polished, presents a minimum of friction to the articles, which slide downwardly by the force of gravity and come to rest against the apron I32 of the elevator, which may be in an elevated portion of its cycle. Upon lowering of the elevator so that the platform MI is even with or below the level of the inclined feed table the first article slides thereon and is lifted to the level of the table I5I as the cam follower I42 rides over the peak of the cam I43. Since each article being elevated is somewhat wider than the elevator platform I3 I, it is given a forward impetus as the lift platform I3I becomes level with the table I6I by the following articles, which bear against the rear side of the article overhanging the platform I3I. form I3I and table I5I is suflicient so that an article positioned on the elevator tends to slide onto the table by action of the force of gravity alone, and for this reason it is preferable to provide a smooth polished surface which will have a minimum frictional effect.

Also, the slope'of the platthe next succeeding article slides on the platform I3I and is elevated an i transferred to the flight feed conveyor in a similar manner, the cycle thus being repeated to position an article between each pair of flights of the flight feed conveyor and provide a timed regulated procession of articles through the slicing mechanism.

.As an article slides off the table I5I under the influence of gravity and a flight I51, the forward edge is engaged and supported by the transfer wheels I83.- Rotation of the wheels carries the article onto the conveyor table I55 and effects smooth transferthereof, so that thc article does not tip over to be improperly fed to the slicing mechanism;

It will thus be seen that the present invention provides an infeed timer for a slicing machine which is arranged to receive a number of articles simultaneously, straighten and align such articles and individually feed them to the slicing mechanism at regulated intervals.

- Furthermore, it is to be noted that an infeed constructed according to the present invention may be used in connection with slicing machines having a gravity feed or slicing machine having power feed.

It is to be understood, however, that the em bodiments of the invention described, and illustrated in the accompanying drawings, are for purposes of illustration only and numerous modifications and substitution of parts are contemplated without departing from the spirit of the invention and intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. In a bread slicing machine, a feeding mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving leaves, a feed conveyor for conducting the loaves to the slicing mechanism, and an elevator for intermittently transferring loaves from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor over an obstruction between said conveyors, said elevator having a loaf-receiving portion of less width than a loaf to be transferred whereby subsequent loaves on. the loading conveyor may effectively press against the elevated loaf to facilitate its transfer to the feed conveyor.

2. In a bread slicing machine, a feeding'mechanism comprising a driven loading conveyor for receiving loaves, a driven feed conveyor for-conducting the loaves to the slicing mechanism and a timer for intermittently transferring loaves from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor veyor to the table, and means for transferring loaves from the table to the feed conveyor,.said means including a depressible table actuated by the feed conveyor.

3. In a bread slicing machine, a feeding mechanism comprising a driven loading conveyor for receiving loaves, a driven feed conveyor for conducting the loaves to the slicing mechanism,

and a timer for intermittently transferring loaves from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor over an obstruction between said conveyors, said loading conveyor comprising anendless belt carried on two or more rollers and said feed conveyor comprising a plurality of flights carried on one or more endless belts, said timer including a loaf-supporting table positioned over the feed conveyor and above the level of the loading conveyor, an elevator for intermittently transferring loaves from the loading conveyor to the table, and means for transferring loaves from the table to the feed conveyor, said means including a depressible table normally positioned level with the supporting tableand arranged to be depressed by the flights to the level of the feed conveyor. I

4. In a bread slicing machine, a feeding mechanism comprising a driven loading conveyor for receiving loaves, a driven feed conveyor for conductingthe loaves to the slicing mechanism and a timer for intermittently transferring leaves from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor over an obstruction between said conveyors, said timer including a loaf-supporting table positioned over the feed conveyor and above the level of the loading conveyor, an elevator for intermittently transferring loaves from the loading conveyor to the table, means for transferring loaves from the table to the feed conveyor, and means for facilitating the transfer of loaves from the elevator to the table, said means including one or more rollers arranged to engage a loaf partially transferred to the table and propel the loaf onto the table.

timed relation with the'flights of the feed conveyor for transferring articles over the obstruction member from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor to position an article on the feed conveyor in advance of each flight thereof.

6. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, an endless feed conveyor having flights for individually conducting articles to the slicing mechanism,. a member for obstructing the movement of articles fromthe loading conveyor to the feed conveyor, means for elevating articles over the obstruction member operating in timed relation with the flights of the feed conveyor for transferring articles over the obstruction member from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor to position an article on the feed conveyor in advance of each flight thereof, and a table disposed between the loading and feed conveyors and adjacent the elevating means for receiving the elevated articles momentarily during their movement from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor.

'7. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, an endless feed conveyor having flights for individually conducting articles to the slicing mechanism, a member for obstructing the movement of articles from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor, an elevator operating in timed relation with the flights of the feed conveyor for intermittently transferring articles from the loading conveyor over the obstruction member to the feed conveyor to position an article on the feed conveyor in advance of each flight thereof, and an apron depending from one edge of the elevator to engage the leading side of an article on the loading conveyor to arrest the movement of such article when the elevator is above the level of said loading'conveyon' 8. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to ,the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, an endless feed conveyor having flights for individually conducting articles to the slicing mechanism, a member for obstructing the movement of articles from'the, loading conveyor.

tothe feed conveyor, means for elevating articles over the obstruction member-operating in timed relation with the flights of the feed conveyor for transferring articles over the obstruction member from the loading conveyor to the feed con-' conveyor, said obstruction member including an apron depending from one edge of the table for engaging the leading side of an article on the elevating means when the latter is below'thelevel of the table. a,

9. In aslicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, an endless feed conveyor having flights for individually conducting articles to the slicing mechanism, a member for obstructing the movement of articles from the loading conveyor .to the feed conveyor,- an elevator operating in timed relation with the flights of the feed conveyor for intermittently transferring articles from the loading conveyor over the obstruction.

member to the feed conveyor to position an article on the feed conveyor in advance of each flight thereof, an apron depending from one edge of the elevator to engage the leading side of an article .on the loading. conveyor to arrest the movement of such article vwhen theelevatoriis above the level of said loading conveyor, and a support disposed between the loading and'feed conveyors and adjoining the elevator for momentarily receiving the articles during their movement from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor; a

10. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to theslicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed,.an endlessfeedconveyor having flights for individually conducting articles to the slicing mechanism, a means for obstructing the movement of articles from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor, ,an elevatoroperating in timed relation with the flights of the feed conveyor for intermittently transferring articles from the loading conveyor over the obstruction article on the loading conveyor to arrest the movement of such article when -the elevator is above the level of said loading conveyor, 8. support disposed between the loading and feed conveyors and adjoining the elevator for momentarily receivingthe articles during their movement from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor, said obstruction member including an apron depending from one edge of the support, said apron substantially paralleling the path of the elevator for engaging the leading side of an article on the elevator when the latter is below the level of the support.

11. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, a drivenfeed conveyor moving in an endless .path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, an article support positioned at an end and above the level of the feed conveyor, said end thereof being adjacent an article discharge end of the loading conveyor and the support arranged to carry an article moving onto the feed conveyor over the rotatable element at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, an elevator for intermittently transferring articles from the loading conveyor to the support,- and means for guiding the lowering of an article from the support to the feed conveyor to deposit the article thereon be- .yond the rotatable element.

being adjacent an article discharge end of the.

loading conveyor, an elevator for intermittently transferring articles from the loading conveyor to the support, and driven rotatable means engage able with an article during the movement onto the support to assist in the transfer.

13. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, a driven feed conveyor moving in an endless path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, an article support positioned at an end and above the level of the feed conveyor, said end thereof being adjacent an article discharge end of the loading conveyor and the support arranged to carry an article moving onto the feed conveyor over the rotatable element at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, an elevator for intermittently transferring articles from the loading con veyor to the support, and a wheel substantially tangent to the plane of the article contacting surface of the support for engaging the under side of an article moving off the support to guide the lowering of the article onto the feed conveyor.

14. In a slicing machine a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, a driven feed conveyor having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced flights moving in an endless path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, said feed conveyor having anarticle receiving end adjacent an article discharge end of the loading conveyor, an article supporting table disposed above the level of the conveyors and .at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, 9. slot in the table and each' ticles to be fed, a driven feed conveyor having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced flights moving inan endless path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, said feed conveyor having an article receiving end adjacent an article discharge end of the loading conveyor, an article supporting table disposed above the level of the conveyors and at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, a slot-in the table and each flight arranged to project. through the slot above the level of=the article contacting surface of the table at the beginning of its movement over the feed conveyor to advance an article to the slicing mechanism, means for intermittently transferring articles from the discharge end of the loading conveyor'to the table 'in timed relation with the flight movement of the feed conveyor, and a wheel having a peripheral edge substantially tangent to the plane of the article contacting surface of the table for engaging the un-.

derside of an article moving off the table to guide the lowering of the article onto the feed conveyor.

16. A construction substantially as set forth 'in claim 15 in-whlch the wheel is carried on a common shaft with the rotatable elements at the article receiving end of the feeding conveyor. 17. A construction substantially as set forth in claim 15 in which'the wheel is formed with a recess extending radially inward from its periphery to receivea flight moving around the receiving end of the conveyor.

- 18. A construction substantially as set forth in claim 15 in which the wheel is in alinement with the slot in the article supporting table.

19. In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, a driven feed conveyor moving in an endless path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, said feed conveyor having an article receiving end adjacent an article discharge end of the load-f ing conveyor, a member for obstructing the movement of articles from the loading conveyor to the ticle lifting platform with respect tothe article. supporting surface of ,the loading conveyor and the top of the obstructing member.

21. In a slicingrmachine a feeding mechanism. for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, a driven feed conveyor having a plurality ofsubstantially uniformly spaced flights moving in an endless path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, said feed conveyor having an article receiving and adjacent an article discharge end of the loading conveyor, an article supporting table disposed above the level of the conveyors and at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, said article supporting table extending above the receiving end of the feed conveyor and overlying one of the rotatable elements of the conveyor to carry an article moving onto the feed conveyor beyond the curved portion of the feed conveyor. flight path at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, and an elevator for intermittently transferring articles from the discharge end of the loading conveyor to the table in timed relation with the flight movement of the feed conveyor.

22. In. a slicing machine a feeding mechanism foradvancing articles to .the slicing mechanism comprising a loading conveyor for receiving articles to be fed, a driven feed conveyor having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced flights moving in an endless path around rotatable elements for conducting the articles to the slicing mechanism, said feed conveyor having an article receiving end adjacent an article discharge end of the loading conveyor, an article supporting table disposed above the level of the conveyors and at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, said article supporting table extending above.

- the receiving end of the feed conveyor and overlying one of the rotatable elements of the conveyor to carry an article moving 'onto the feed conveyor beyond the curved portion of the feed conveyor flight path at the receiving end of the feed conveyor, an elevator for intermittently transferring articles from the discharge end of the loading conveyor to the table in timed relation with the flight movement of the feed conveyor, and a depressible table having an article supporting surface normally substantially level with that of the first named table, s',aid depressible table arranged to be lowered substantially to the level of the feed conveyor by the flights to, gradually lower articles from the first named table to the feed conveyor.

r 23. A construction such as that set forth in claim 21 in which the article supporting table is formed with one or.more slots extending in the .direction of article movement and the flights are formed to extend through the slots above the article supporting surface of. the table to engage an article positioned thereon and move the article onto the feed conveyor.

24. In a slicing machine a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising an endless driven loading conveyor moving on rotatable elements, a driven feed con- I veyor having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced flights moving in an endless path around rotatable elements, the loading conveyor having a discharge end adjacent a receiving end of the feed conveyor, an obstructing member disposed between the conveyors to arrest the move-' ment of articles from the loading conveyor to the feed conveyor, means operating intermittently in timed relation with the flights of the feed conveyor to transfer articles over the obstruction member and position the articles to-be individually engaged by the flights, and a rotatable mem:- ber disposed between the discharge end of the loading conveyor and the transfer means to support an article as the latter moves off the loading conveyor.

25. In a slicing machine a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism comprising an endless driven loading conveyor, moving on rotatable elements, a driven feed conveyor having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced flights moving in an endless path around rotatable elements, the loading conveyor having a discharge end adjacent a receiving end member and position the articles to,be individually engaged by the flights, and means for actuating the conveyors and transfer means from a common drive shaft to synchronize the operation of the feeding mechanism. 26. A construction such as that set forth 1 claim in which endless traction means is disposed above the discharge end of .the loading conveyor and-driven in timed relation therewith,

said traction means arranged to have frictional engagement with the tops of articles on the loading conveyor and assist in the advancing of the articles and the conveyor and traction means cooperating to advance the trailing end ofa misalined article having its leading end. arrested by the obstructing member.

f 27. A construction such as that set forthv in claim 25 in which endless traction means is disposed above the discharge end of the loading conveyor and driven in timed relation therewith, said traction means arranged to have frictional engagement with the tops of articles on the loading conveyor and assist in the advancing of the articles, the conveyor and traction means 00- operating to advance the trailing end of a misalined article having its leading end arrested by the obstructing member, and one end. of said traction meansresting by gravity onthe leading 28. A construction such .as thatset forth in claim 25 in which endless traction means is disposed above -the discharge end of the loading conveyor and driven in timed relation therewith, said-traction means arranged to have frictional engagement with the tops of articles on the loading conveyor and assist in the advancing of the articles, and the conveyor and traction means cooperating to advance the trailing end of a mis-' alined article'having its leading end arrested by the obstructing member, said traction means being adjustable toward and away from the transfer means and toward and away from the loading conveyor to accommodate articles of different size.

29. -In a slicing machine, a feeding mechanism for advancing articles to the slicing mechanism, comprising an endless driven loading conveyor moving on rotatable-elements, a driven feed conveyor having a plurality of substantially uniformly spaced .flights moving in an endless path around rotatable elements, the loading conveyor having a discharge end adjacenta receiving end of the feed conveyor, an obstructing member disthe feed conveyor to transfer articles over the obstruction member and to position the articles to be individually engaged by the flights.

30. In a slicing machine of the type having a number of substantially vertically movable slicingknives, the combination of a loading conveyor having a downward inclination toward the knives for supporting articles moving to an elevator receiving station. a reciprocating elevator arranged to receive articles one at a time from the loading conveyor and lift each received article to an elevator discharge station above the receiving station, said'elevator being movable in a direction substantially at right angles to the'direction at which articles are delivered thereto from the loading conveyor and having a depending apron extending substantially parallel to the direction of elevator movement and engageable with the leading side of an article on the loading conveyor at the receiving station to prevent such article from moving off the lowermost end of the loading conveyor while the elevator is at the discharge station, means for advancing an article, lifted by the elevator from the loading conveyor, through the slicing knives, and means for actuating the advancing means in synchronous timed relation with the elevator so that each article raised by the elevator is individually advanced by the advancing means.

CHARLES H, PETSKEYES. 

